The LAST CHANCE For Romance

THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF THE STRATFORD PARKS DEPT, STRATFORD POLICE, AND THE COOPERATIVE EFFORTS OF MANY OTHERS WE CAN BRING YOU THE FIRST RACE IN OUR TOWN THIS YEAR.


This event was designed to be after V-Day.  Here's your chance- it’s not too late to make up for any little “oversight” that may have occurred on Feb 14th! So our “Last Chance” is yours too! Run with a partner, a significant other, a spouse, or on your own spreading love and continuing the spirit of St Valentine.   We do have a 200 person limit for this event. Please pre reg early & don't get shut out.

And while you are with us we hope you’ll join us and help donate to the Stratford Police Explorers Post. A terrific group of young men and women who want to help in our community and work in law enforcement.      A NEW ACTIVITY ADDED!   Boothe Memorial Park is home to the Boothe Memorial Astronomical Society (BMAS). Active since the 1950s, BMAS hosts public outreach events, teaching astronomy and providing opportunities for visitors to look through telescopes. The park is home to their observatory, which houses a large 16" telescope.  Weather permitting, BMAS members will have solar telescopes available to safely view the sun and its active atmosphere. There are a number of active sunspots that will be visible. IF we have a sunny/partially cloudy day we will catch some rays!

 

FEB 8 Guaranteed shirt size or warm fleece hat ends How can you get your name/business on the shirt? IT’S EASY! I’m glad you asked. 
Donate $100 or more and you’re on! It’s a tax deductible donation right into the Stratford Police Cadets fund. You MUST contact Marty Schaivone and set this up. We really could use your help. Sponsors get a free entry and the two race shirts! [email protected]

 

SATURDAY 2/17 SCHEDULE 8:30 am  pickup starts for bibs, shirts or fleece lined hats 9:40 am - We will have a safe, short-distance, non-competitive kids' fun run if weather permits and there are any kids (9 and under only). You can accompany your little tyke to avoid potential drama. (Theirs or yours!). **This kids run is directed by Donna Cramond- former professional cat herder & certified Bon Vivant. 10:00 am- Start of 3 mile event  which is timed - everyone is eligible for awards. Jim Gerweck is our official Race Timer.    10:15 am- granola bars/wrapped snacks, bananas, water, possibly soup & more

 

ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY- even on race day $28 for pre-reg 19 & over through 2/11.  Only $23 for 18 & under $31 / $23  Feb 12-15. $35 / $25  Feb 16 & 17   WE CAN NOT PROCESS ANY PAPER NOR TAKE CASH ON RACE DAY- only online reg. Bring your phone!

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN UNTIL 10am RACE MORNING - UNLESS WE ARE SOLD OUT (200 runners)   PRIZES- likely edible and tasty! Overall male & female champions WILL GET AWARDS  Three deep in age groups- 9 & under, 10-13, 14-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79 & older if they’re pre-registered. 
  Prizes for the top 2 person team based on cumulative ages. Teams for each category are eligible- M&F, M&M, F&F, NG&NG  Combined age groups- 36 and under, 37-60, 61-75, 76-100, 101-125, 126-150, 151+
What are the awards? They are usually all edible- that's the best kind. Purchased right after VD when all the extra chocolate gets insanely discounted.

 

You can run, walk or stroll this event as an individual- you do NOT need a partner. 

PLEASE HELP US RECRUIT PARTICIPANTS!  We need a minimum of 120 people to be able to fund this event 
WE HAVE A FEW IDEAS FOR SWAG TO GIVE OUT THIS YEAR- and it just might be a combination/choice when you get there if you didn’t register in time. You’ll have a choice of real warm, fleece lined winter hats/beaners—- OR we also will have LS shirts. 
  You’ll have a choice up till Feb 8. After that we can’t guarantee sizes or availability.  This ain’t Amazon! We need to order, ship and print in a week! 

 

Be aware, be safe, and be respectful of distance inside the Boothe Park facility. 

The first 100 registered will be guaranteed to receive a great SWAG! - REGISTER NOW!  PLEASE REG BY FEB 8th so we can make sure you get something!

 

WE WILL CAP THIS EVENT AT 200 PEOPLE.  

 

Sat 2/17 PICKUP STARTS 8:30 am and the 3 miler starts at 10 am

OUR FACILITY is the CLUBHOUSE @ Boothe Park - 5800 Main St  Putney in Stratford.

  

Our 3 mile course is a simple loop with right-hand turns. It starts with a fast downhill for most of the first mile. The second mile is pretty much flat and quiet.

At the start of the third mile, there is a good climb for about 3/10 mile (we like to be truthful). But, that's followed by a flat section and then a solid 2/10 mile downhill as you fly down to our flat finish! Here is our course map:   http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6765078

NOTE- there is no water table on the course- please carry your own if needed.

With fixed costs and pre-payment of many items, this means we CANNOT, under any conditions, REFUND any registration fees. Whether we are live or virtual our commitment to our Police Explorers will be maintained. We hope you can support this commitment and join us.
IMPORTANT DETAIL-  We encourage everyone to donate any additional amount to the Stratford Police Explorers. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. 
WE NEED YOUR HELP FOR A SAFE START- If you are truly at a speedier running level (6-7min pace per mile or under) we urge you to be at the start early and ready to go at 10am. This will avoid crowding on the course and help everyone to run more safely. Thanks! You can push a baby stroller but must start towards the back of the pack, have at least some sort of mammal in the stroller, and not curse as you fly down the hills and then have to climb that big hill, pushing the stroller...
ON THE COURSE- We ask you to stay safe, don’t run in groups…watch for traffic. 

 

Race Director and slightly crazed Founder who really should retire
Marty Schaivone, with 33 years of experience, will coordinate this event. MS Running Productions has directed & consulted on more than 30 races every year in CT including other races in Stratford- the Hair of the Dog, Miles for Margaritas, Short Beach Summer Run, Christmas in July, Two Roads Shore to the Pour, Happy HalloWINE, the Turkey Trot, Holiday Toy Run and the Last Waltz. Also the Great Pumpkin Classic in Trumbull, the Beach Bunny 5k, Bigelow Tea Community Challenge & Colony Grill Hot Oil in Fairfield, and many others in Milford, Bridgeport, Westport, and beyond. Last year MSRP was involved with events that contributed over $250,000 to local charities.

Contact Marty at [email protected]  for terrific opportunities to sponsor this event or to volunteer at this run as well as any others.  The very modified and constantly changing 2024 schedule (if it ever happens) will be posted at www.hitekracing.com/msrunning.com

FAQ’s
Where’s the parking? There are enough spaces behind the building for about 50 cars. After that, it is across the street on the perpendicular roads In the neighborhood. 
What are those wooden Toll Booths doing behind the building?  If you’re under 50yrs old please Google it & find out. The rest of us know! Lol 
Is there valet parking?  Yes, that will be available when pigs can fly.
Is the course marked clearly and accurately?  If you get lost on this course we will refund your money, someday. And if you run long by accident we will not charge extra. It consists of four right turns and one left turn into the finishing lot. There will be signs, cones, flour arrows and police on the course.   How can I get my name/business on the shirt? IT’S EASY!
Donate $100 or more and you’re on! It’s tax deductible right into the Stratford Police Cadets.
You MUST contact Marty Schaivone and set this up. We really could use your help. Sponsors get a free entry and the two race shirts! [email protected] 

 

Why is it 3 miles and not 5k?  First off- trying to add on another 1/10 mile would have caused logistical problems, messed up the start/finish, and been annoying. Secondly- I never did well using the metric system despite being a Science Major. Thirdly- Since there are no other 3 milers around this will become a unique PR for you. You're welcome!

 

Easiest way to get here from there- Take exit 53 off the Merritt Parkway, go south on Rte 110 Main St-  and be ready for the right fork just past traffic light at the bottom of the northbound exit ramp!